Do Migrants Think Differently? Evidence from Eastern European and Post-Soviet States

This research investigates the effect of cultural traits on migration, by analyzing differences in norms, attitudes and beliefs between individuals who intend to emigrate and those who do not. The results show that cultural traits affect emigration decisions. Significant self-selection patterns are detected in some dimensions, such as evaluation of home country governance and institutions, political participation, trust in other people and justification of cheating, while they are absent in other dimensions, such as views on economic liberalism and democracy. Results also indicate that the relationship between cultural traits and migration are heterogeneous across regions with different institutions and culture. This analysis aims to improve our understanding of the determinants of emigration, as well as of its possible consequences on the dynamics of governance and institutions